Wise vs Revolut for Thailand: Which Actually Saves You More?
Updated May 2026 · 12 min read
If you're sending money to Thailand regularly, the two names that come up constantly are Wise and Revolut. Both promise "the real exchange rate" and low fees. But when you actually compare them pound for pound, there are clear differences that matter.
The Short Version
- Wise wins for transfers of £200-5,000. Consistently better rates, more transparent, money arrives faster.
- Revolut wins if you're already on Premium/Metal and sending under £1,000.
- Neither is best for transfers over £10,000 — use OFX or a specialist broker.
Exchange Rates Compared
| Aspect | Wise | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Base rate | Mid-market (Reuters) | Mid-market (when open) |
| Mark-up on THB | ~0.3% | ~0.1% (Prem) / ~0.5% (Free) |
| Weekend mark-up | None | +1% (Free) / +0.3% (Prem) |
| Transfer fee | £2-5 | Varies by plan |
| Speed to Thai bank | 1-2 hours | 30 mins - 2 hours |
Real-World Test: £1,000 to Thailand
Mid-market rate: 1 GBP = 43.86 THB
Wise
Rate: 43.73 · Fee: £3.52 · Got: 43,578 THB · 47 mins
Revolut Premium
Rate: 43.80 · Fee: £0 · Got: 43,800 THB · 32 mins
Revolut Premium came out slightly ahead on this test. But Revolut's advantage depends heavily on your plan tier, when you transfer, and monthly exchange limits.
The Free Plan Problem
On Revolut's free plan, you get a monthly exchange limit (~£1,000/month at mid-market). After that, 0.5% fee. Weekend transfers add another 1%. For a Saturday transfer on the free plan, you could pay 1.5% — worse than many banks.
Wise doesn't have tier-based restrictions. Same fee structure regardless of amount or day.
The Verdict
- Use Wise as your primary transfer method.
- Use Revolut Premium as backup and for day-to-day Thailand spending.
- For transfers over £5,000, get a quote from OFX.
The difference between Wise and Revolut on a typical transfer is maybe 50-200 THB. Pick one and get on with your life. The real savings come from not using your bank.
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